Garden as Art by Thaïsa Way

Garden as Art by Thaïsa Way ("Ty-EE-sah")

This book came out in 2022, and the subtitle is Beatrix Farrand at Dumbarton Oaks.

Oh, my dear reader, have you ever yearned for a secret garden, a place of exquisite beauty and tranquility?

If so, then I invite you to step into the enchanting world of Beatrix Farrand's Dumbarton Oaks featured in Garden as Art.

This is not merely a garden; it is a living, breathing work of art, a testament to the genius of a woman who dared to defy convention and create a masterpiece that would stand the test of time.

If Thaïsa's name sounds familiar to you, it is because she is the director of garden and landscape studies at Dumbarton Oaks and her book is one of two new books this year as part of the centennial celebrations at Dumbarton.

As this garden enters its second century, I see Thaïsa's book as a commemorative book, which features the beautiful garden photography of Sahar Coston-Hardy ("Sah-har Cost-in Hardy").

Garden as Art is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and the soul. Every page is filled with breathtaking photographs that capture the essence of this remarkable landscape. From the vibrant hues of the azaleas in spring to the golden glow of the autumn leaves, Dumbarton Oaks is a symphony of color and texture.

But it is not just the beauty of the garden that captivates. Thaïsa Way's insightful essays offer a glimpse into the mind of Beatrix Farrand, the visionary woman who designed this horticultural gem. We learn about her passion for art, her love of nature, and her determination to create a garden that would inspire and delight future generations.

Along with the photography, there is a wonderful selection of essays that were handpicked to reveal the history of design in the garden and the significance of those gardens from a variety of different voices.

So, this is an extraordinary book. If you're a fan of Dumbarton Oaks, then this book is an absolute must-have.

And what I find especially wonderful about this book are the seasonal glimpses of Dumbarton Oaks that are offered by Sahar's photography and seeing the transformation at Dumbarton throughout the year is really quite special.

If you're a fan of Beatrix and her work, then you know that Dunbarton is regarded as her crowning achievement and this book is definitely a testament to that.

Harvard published this book, and they write that,

The book invites the reader to contemplate the art of garden design and the remarkable beauty of the natural world. There are archival images of the garden that offer a chronicle of evolving design concepts. And the book also illustrates how gardens change over time as living works of art.

As we wander through the pages of this book, we are transported to a world of peace and serenity. We feel the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, hear the birdsong, and smell the sweet fragrance of the flowers. It is a place where we can escape the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.

So, my dear reader, if you seek a book that will transport you to a magical place of beauty and inspiration, I highly recommend Garden as Art. It is a treasure trove of information and a feast for the senses. Prepare to be enchanted!

This is truly a very special book, and it would make a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or for a gardener in your life.

This book is 312 pages of one of our country's most beautiful gardens with a beautiful story to tell featuring Beatrix Farrand and Dumbarton Oaks.

You can get a copy of Garden as Art by Thaïsa Way and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $30.